Posterior neck pain refers to pain in the back of the neck. This area contains several muscles, nerves and the top portion of the spine, also known as the cervical spine. Responsible for support and movement, injury or a disorder to the posterior neck can cause severe pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Because there are numerous causes of neck pain, a visit to your physician to determine an exact diagnosis can help you on the road to recovery.
Injury
If you have recently experienced a car accident or other traumatic injury that caused your head to whip around suddenly, you may be experiencing whiplash, according to the American Chiropractic Association. This results when the muscles in your head and neck tighten and contract as a result of injury, causing pain and stiffness in the back of your neck.
Incorrect Posture
Poor posture, particularly leaning forward and hunching your shoulders, can cause the muscles of your neck to shorten, according to ABC News Health. This can place extra strain on the occipital nerve that runs on the back of your head. The result is a headache that can be as severe as a migraine. Your physician may recommend stretching exercises to lengthen these muscles.
Herniated Disc
The vertebrae of the cervical spine are cushioned by pads of cartilage known as discs. According to Spine Universe, these pads can change in shape or bulge out of the spine over time, extending to push on the nerves and causing muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the arms and hands. The herniated disc can ultimately come out so much that it pushes into the spinal cord, resulting in severe pain. Herniated discs can be the result of degeneration due to aging or injury.
Medical Conditions
Posterior neck pain can be the result of a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com. This neck is the third-most common location affected by rheumatoid arthritis after the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling of the joints and tissues, resulting in pain. Other conditions that can cause posterior neck pain include meningitis and cancer. A physician may recommend diagnostic testing, such as imaging, in order to diagnose these conditions.
